There's plenty for the young, old and, er, open-minded in the North East over the next fortnight. Chief Features Writer Beth Neil finds out more.

Two Disney favourites, a much-loved comic actor and some full frontal nudity.

No, not all on the same bill, but all about to descend on the North East.

First up are Mickey and Minnie Mouse who head to Toon this week as the hit Disney on Ice show prepares to return to the region.

The ever-popular mice will be meeting fans at Eldon Square in a special visit to the North East to promote the new extravaganza Disney on Ice, which is back at the Metro Radio Arena in October for a week.

The show will also feature Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, The Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch.

Mickey and Minnie will be officially welcomed to the city this Thursday by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Coun David and Jackie Slesenger, at Chevy Chase in Eldon Square at midday.

Ingrid from Metro Radio will then invite youngsters to join Mickey and Minnie on stage to shake hands with the Disney stars and pose for photos.

Disney On Ice director of marketing Gary Kane said: "This is a great opportunity for Mickey and Minnie to actually shake hands with their fans who will be coming to the show.

"We know we always get a warm welcome in Geordieland and they are really looking forward to catching up with as many friends as possible at Eldon Square."

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Two weeks later, Puppetry of the Penis returns to the Gala Theatre in Durham. The show is not for the faint-hearted and features two well-endowed Australians manipulating their manhood into various shapes, objects and landmarks.

The Ancient Australian art of Genital Origami requires its artists to have astonishing stamina, an unbelievable stretch factor and an amazing level of testicular fortitude. It leaves both men and women gasping and laughing with more than 40 heroic and hilarious crowd pleasing tricks.

With intense concentration and great dexterity, the Puppeteers demonstrate eye-popping `installations' such as The Eiffel Tower, The Windsurfer and even edible delights such as their signature dish, The Hamburger.

Witnessed by Elton John, Naomi Campbell, Posh and Becks, Lulu, Bono, Hugh Grant, Joan and Jackie Collins, Tim Rice and Ruby Wax, Puppetry of the Penis has had West End audiences in fits of laughter and squeals of amazement.

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And the following night one of Britain's best-loved performers is at the Gala for an evening of fun and frolics.

Ian Lavender, who starred as the hapless Private Frank Pike in the BBC's classic sitcom Dad's Army and more recently as Derek in EastEnders, will be at the Gala to meet and greet fans in a question and answer session.

Over a long a varied career, Ian has built up a wealth of experience playing in repertory companies, undertaking major national theatre tours and appearing in everything from BBC TV's Casualty to Dustin Hoffman's production of the Merchant of Venice.

He has also popped up in Keeping up Appearances, Miss Marple, Goodnight Sweetheart and Peak Practice.